TACLOBAN CITY — Advocacy and business groups welcomed the recent arrest of contractor Sarah Discaya, her husband, and several public works officials in connection with irregular flood control projects, calling it a “significant step toward accountability” amid systemic corruption in government infrastructure.
The Discayas were linked to a P96-million “ghost” flood control project in Davao Occidental, which experts say contributed to poor disaster preparedness during Typhoon Tino in November.
The typhoon left more than 200 dead, around 100 missing, and over 700,000 displaced, particularly in Cebu City, with much of the destruction attributed to substandard or absent flood control measures.
John Lazaro, national coordinator of youth group Spark, said, “The Discayas are only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Accountability must extend to every corrupt official and contractor who has exploited public funds.”
Danny Carranza, secretary-general of farmers group Katarungan, added, “Discaya’s arrest is the tip of the iceberg. The public demands that all involved—including lawmakers and agency officials—be held responsible and that stolen funds be recovered.”
Pastor Irma Mepico of the Promotion of Church People’s Response emphasized that the case highlights the principle that “no one should be placed above justice,” but noted the arrests expose a “deeper, systemic problem fueled by impunity and protection from powerful interests.”
Rey Calooy, chairman emeritus of the Filipino-Cebuanos Business Club, said substandard flood control projects have directly affected small businesses. “Our equipment and delivery vehicles were swept away during Typhoon Tino. The arrests send a warning that transparency and honesty must guide public works projects,” he said.
The government has also begun restitution processes. Former public works engineer Henry Alcantara returned P71 million on December 19 and over P110 million on November 28 as part of a P300-million total kickback he allegedly received from flood control projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the public that investigations and prosecutions will continue until all involved are held accountable and funds are recovered.
(RONALD O. REYES)
